Schmidt expecting the unexpected in Cardiff

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt says he is expecting the unexpected from Wales in the Six Nations on Friday.

As expected, Schmidt has kept faith with the same starting 15 which saw off France at the Aviva Stadium two weeks ago.

The only change in the matchday 23 is the inclusion of Tommy Bowe on the bench, in for his injured Ulster team mate Andrew Trimble.

There's been no issue for Rob Kearney this week who came to camp at Carton House carrying a groin problem.

One of the focal points this week has been that of the number 13 jersey, with Jared Payne available again for selection, having played 80 minutes and scored in Ulster's Pro 12 win over Treviso last weekend.

However despite training with the squad prior to Schmidts team announcement, Fridays trip to Cardiff has come too soon with Garry Ringrose continuing his center partnership with Robbie Henshaw.

"He (Jared Payne) was sharp this morning when he trained and that put him in the frame but he just hadn't had enough time with us." Schmidt said.

"I think for his confidence he will be involved at the weekend for Ulster and that would still potentially be a springboard to have an involvement for England next week."

"Through the tournament, it is the first time we have been able to do that (name an un-changed team)"

"When we won the Championship in 2014 and 2015 we had made minimal changes and I think we grew as the tournament went on and that is a massive challenge.